Technical data

network diameter
The distance (number of hops) between the two nodes in the network with the
greatest reachability distance. The reachability distance is the path with the
fewest number of hops between two nodes.
NetworkFileSystem(NFS)
A protocol developed by Sun Microsystems that allows a computer system to access
files over a network as if they were on its local disks.
Network Information Service (NIS)
A set of services in the Network File System that propagate information out
from masters to recipients; used for the maintenance of system files on complex
networks.
Network Interface
A device driver that communicates with the IP layer of the TCP/IP protocol suite
and the network interface card.
Network Interface layer
The layer in the TCP/IP architecture model that provides the mechanism for
connecting the hosts to the networks.
network management
See MIB-II and Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP).
network mask
A mask used to determine the subnet in the IP address; each bit that is turned on
(binary one) in the mask is interpreted as part of the network and subnet address.
Synonymous with subnet mask.
A means of subdividing networks using address modification. A mask is a dotted
quad specifying the bits of the destination that are significant. Except when used
in a route filter, GATED supports only contiguous masks.
network meltdown
The state of complete network overload; the network equivalent of thrashing. See
also broadcast storm.
network number
The part of an IP address that designates the network to which the destination
host belongs.
network performance
The description of how a network performs, as measured against the expectations
or requirements of users, customers, designers, or implementors, or as claimed by
sales and marketing personnel. The criteria for network performance include
parameters such as throughput, response time, and resource utilization.
network status notification
Information about the state of logical and physical links over which two tasks
communicate. A nontransparent task can use this information to take appropriate
action under conditions such as third-party disconnections and a partner’s exiting
before I/O completion.
network task
A nontransparent task that can process multiple inbound connection requests; that
is, it has a declared network name or object number.
Glossary–29